‘Tis the season to host a dinner party! And while it’s no secret that hosts can have an added level of stress over the holiday season, don’t let your Christmas duties bring down your celebratory spirit. With a little preparation and some creativity, you can show your guests that you definitely deserve the title of “Holiday Host(ess) With The Most(ess)!” Here are some ways to ensure your Christmas dinner party is a huge hit!
Tip #1: Create The Look
Festive decor is an important part of any Christmas celebration. Set the scene for your guests to be transported to a holiday haven. Deck the halls (literally) with cheerful ornaments, twinkling lights and twigs of holly. Add the joyful sounds of holiday songs to create comfort and to get your guests in the celebratory spirit. Sticking to a theme is a fun way to build ambiance for your dinner. Keep things casual with a Christmas pajama party or opt for a more formal dinner with a silver and white winter wonderland theme. Whatever you decide, impress your guests by keeping your theme consistent throughout the dinner with table linens, tree ornaments and candles or flowers to match.
Tip #2: Get Personal
Since the holiday time is all about togetherness and making your guests feel special and welcome, personalizing your dinner party is one of the quickest ways to achieve that. Customizing place cards at the table and hanging stockings adorned with each guests’ name or initials is a nice way to add that extra special personal touch. You can even set up an ornament decorating table equipped with glitter, ribbon and paint so that everyone can personalize an ornament to hang on your tree and will serve as a reminder of the wonderful Christmas spent together.
Tip #3: Serve a Signature Cocktail
One way to make your dinner party stand out from the rest is by creating a signature cocktail to serve to your guests. While it’s important to have an array of spirits and bubbly on hand to appeal to everyone, consider featuring a special drink like a peppermint chocolate martini or jingle juice! Arrange an easy-to-make cocktail bar with precut garnishes and simple cocktail recipe cards so your guests can help themselves throughout the night.
Tip #4: Keep Your Guests Full
After all, what would a Christmas dinner party be without the food of course? Set up an array of appetizers and snacks to nibble on to keep your guests satisfied if you need a little extra time in the kitchen preparing the main meal. Consider your theme of a casual dinner party or a more formal sit down, and plan your menu accordingly. If each guest is bringing a dish to serve, setting up a buffet-style spread will allow your dinner guests to help themselves and dig into their favorites. If you’re the only chef in the kitchen, be sure to cook some meals ahead of time to save you from breaking a sweat the day of the fête. Keep your menu simple, sticking to recipes that are tried and true or ones that you’re famously known for. Be sure to keep any allergies or food restrictions in mind when planning your courses to ensure that no guests leaves hungry! And of course, don’t skimp on dessert! Since Christmas is one of the sweetest times of year, reflect that in your treats by arranging a dessert bar filled with cookies for Santa, peppermint bark and festive chocolate covered strawberries.
Tip #5: Be a Generous Giver
Spread some holiday cheer to your Christmas guests by giving out gifts. While they don’t have to be elaborate, sending your party-goers home with a small present will certainly put a smile on their faces. ‘Tis the season to be generous, so let your guests know how much you appreciate spending the holidays together. After all, it really is better to give than to receive especially around this merry time of year!
We hope these tips will help you throw the ultimate Christmas dinner party to enjoy the holiday with your friends and family. Of course, if you’re attending a dinner party you won’t want to show up empty handed. Put a smile on your host’s face and satisfy the sweet tooth of the guests by bringing a holiday fruit bouquet. They’re festive, they’re healthy and most of all, they’re delicious!
AUTHOR
Amy graduated from Hofstra University with a degree in Journalism/ Public Relations, and put her studies to good use, frequently contributing articles to various websites and publications. She is a native New Yorker but has once called Paris and Brussels home. When not writing, you can find her painting, traveling and going on hikes with her dog.